Marmolada - a great Dolomite mountain - Mountains For Everybody [ Bach – BWV903-Chromatic-Fantasy ] This is a beautiful massif from any perspective and surrounded by many other nice peaks of Dolomites. The approach roads are over mountain passes with breathtaking views. Like many other mountains in the region, this mountain was also a front line during the World War I, and you will realize this, see one of the photos below. The glacier itself contains tunnels from that period. The normal north route starts at Fedaia pass, see the map below: Map of the north route to Marmolada. There is a free car parking at the pass and the lake, after crossing the dam. Many spend a night there, some in motor-homes, in cars, or in tents raised late in the evening. You will see the sign for Punta Penia (3342 m) at the parking. The route goes toward Pian dei Fiacconi hut (2626 m), and from there over the glacier to the summit. In late season the glacier is with little snow and only then you will realize that it is with a lot of crevasses.

When I was there, there was a thick snow layer and I could not see any. But this only made me more nervous. The glacier section ends up by a rock passage of some 100 meters or more with fixed cables. You will need the usual ferrata equipment here, a harness and a y-rope. After the ferrata you are on the snow, and very soon the summit cross will be visible in the distance. This part is rather easy and beautiful. There is yet another hut only about 50 meters from the summit. My first photo on the route to Marmolada. View toward glacier and the hut. Pian dei Fiacconi hut (2626 m). Marmolada glacier, the hut is on the rock. -The coordinates of the mountain are: Lattitude – 46.4333 For the type of boots and crampons please see my another text . My climb to Marmolada I climbed Marmolada solo, and it was just a day after my long tour to Zugspitze (see the page within this site). After descending Zugspitze, I just continued south, crossed Austria and entered Dolomites.

I had a storm most of the time, and only during lightnings, I could see what kind of great scenery I was surrounded with. I arrived at Fedaia Pass (2057 m) around 10 pm, it was July 3, 2010. There, I spent the night in the car and set off for the summit at 3:50 am. The upper part of the route. Hut at the summit. The route was first a walk on a rocky terrain through bushes, and then on snow before arriving at the Pian dei Fiacconi hut (2626 m) at 5:50. There was no sign of life in the hut, people were sleeping. This was not surprising because not much time is needed from the hut to the summit, so a late start is fine. My original plan was to avoid glacier and to take the west ridge ferrata route. However, everything around was covered by snow, and I had no idea where to go and how to cross the glacier to get to the route.

So for that reason, I decided to take a rest on a rock surrounded by snow far above the hut, and to see if somebody would appear going in my desired direction. In the end, after a long hour of waiting, some groups started moving from the hut. To my disappointment, I realized they all were going the glacier route. I decided to go the same way. There was deep and soft snow on the glacier, but there were no problems, I could not see any crevasses. I followed the trail hoping this would be safer regarding crevasses. On the upper part of the glacier, the route turned to the west and I was on the rock, where I used y-rope and harness. The ferrata part was not difficult, and it was far less exposed as compared with my experience from Zugspitze the day before. At the summit There were no many people at the summit, perhaps those that were in front of me, have already been resting in the hut which was just about 50 meters from the summit cross. But there was a young man, almost teenager, and his elderly and authoritarian father. The father was obviously in charge of everything.

He was ordering the son where to stay, and which mountain to have in the background as he was taking pictures. He made his orders just by pointing fingers. The boy followed his finger obediently. I felt sorry for him, and I think he realized that. Soon, the father gave a sign and they started descending. But this was a moment for me to ask the boy to make a few photos of me, and they are here on this page. Later on the route below, I could hear the father angrily speaking to the son about something. Marmolada remains a great memory for me; I doubt it is the same with the boy. Me on the summit. Summit cross of Marmolada. I was carrying 3 liters of water and did not spend it all. Later somebody told me that west ridge route was under snow and that is why there were no visible trails in that direction. Back at Fedaia pass, I realized it was crowded now. Many Italian families arrived in their motor-homes. From this, I concluded that weather forecast was good. I decided to stay the night there, I was tired to continue. Next to my car were two vehicles from Slovakia, they were sitting till late in the evening playing the guitar.

In the morning, I saw a few of them still sleeping in bags under the clear sky, but some of them were already preparing to go to the mountain. I left soon toward Trieste, which was my actual destination in the first place. So, this was my story from this great mountain. I wish to stress again that you need special equipment for this route. As for the accommodation, I suggest you visit my post where I give information about a few agencies which I regularly use when I go to mountains. The information they give on their sites is reliable. Please leave a comment below, it will be appreciated, and I shall be happy to give answers to any question from you.

Marmolada Via Ferrata and Glacier Trip (3343m) – The highest of the Dolomites | Climb Big Mountains Marmolada Via Ferrata and Glacier Trip (3343m) – The highest of the Dolomites Marmolada Via Ferrata and Glacier Trip (3343m) – The highest of the Dolomites The highest peak of the Dolomites, in close vicinity to the legendary Tre Cime, invites you to an exquisite glacier and via ferrata trip over 3,000 meters. Watch out, killer panorama! Prices Guide-client ratio: 1:3. For smaller groups, get our special offer. Not included See more details under "Equipment and Info" CBM VIP price I think you should be a VIP member, coz it's cool. . Duration: 3 days You’ve done the basic stuff, the Via Ferrata Course or the introductory Via Ferratas in the Dolomites , and you’re longing for more. Perhaps the Queen of the Dolomites? You cannot get higher than the Marmolada (3,343m)! Perhaps you wanna take your own photos of the legendary Tre Cime? Wait now more.

This is your big adrenaline block for the summer, with scenery that competes with Patagonia. You can conquer the Queen in only 3 days. Your Guides September 16, 2017, Sat Further Info The dates in March are winter ascents. Previous alpine experince is a must! This trip to La Marmolada, the top of the Dolomites, is perfect if you adore both via ferratas and glaciers. It is good to have some experience in both because you will reach up to 3,343 m. If you don't feel you're up to the challenge, we'll be happy to take you on a Via Ferrata Course in the Dolomites first, or you can try Dolomites Via Ferrata Light , which is also a bunch of fun but easier. Is this trip for you?

Alpine trekking - up to 1200 m of vertical in a day on short trips Longer trips with high daily loads of 1000 m+ vertical Climbs involving 1000 m+ of vertical climbing above 4000 meters Same as Level 3 with the addition of speed as a must Climbs to summits over 6000 meters in altitude Technical difficulty grades Trekking on rocks or snow to 25 degrees steepness, no hands required Alpine Grade PD - 30-45 degree snow/firnice axe required, may have to use with hands, as you may meet UIAA Grade III rock. Alpine grade AD: 40-55 degree slopes or UIAA grade-III rock "My feet are shaking!" Alpine grade D: 50-70 degree snow-walls or UIAA IV-V rock: serious stuff D graded climbs None of our package trips do this level, but you can request an expert to accompany you for your D or higher graded project. Culture shock grading As far as the cultural environment of your country/area of destination, we have set up grades to indicate what degree of culture shock you may expect.

Your usual cultural environment, no big surprises in relation to Anglo/Saxon way of life A little different than what you are used to at home, but no big suprises Your trip is a cultural experience in itself, with amusing differences form what you're used to at home. This is a different world; you have to significantly alter your expectations and behaviour. Possibility of extreme culture shock; forget any rules you may have brought from home, life runs completely differently than what you can even dream up. Physical Difficulty Itinerary Day 1: Meeting at Lake Fedaia You meet your guide at Lake Fedaia in the afternoon. From here you can decide if you take the ski lift to Fiacconi hut, which is gonna be your home for the coming days, or if you warm up for the upcoming climb by walking up to 2626 m. Take it easy the first night: you can have some chat, some drinks and a good night sleep. Day 2: La Marmolada After an early breakfast, you start your trip to Punta di Penia, the central peak of La Marmolada.

You will need to manage a 700-meter ascent to 3343 m, which is not a piece of cake. You’ll have to test your skills not only on via ferrata but also on glaciers. You’ll have a fair amount of adrenaline but when you reach the top, the jawdropping scenery of the Dolomites will compensate you for everything. In clearer weather, you may even see Grossglockner and Grossvenediger of the Alps too. After the well awaited photo-shooting and the well deserved snack, you will turn back. You will reach the hut by early evening, where you can celebrate with refreshing drinks, a nice dinner, or by crashing into bed. 🙂 Day 3: Tre Cime After a comfortable breakfast, you head to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. You can test for yourself: are these crags really so out of this world like on the photos (or even more)? 🙂 When you get filled and the battery of your camera has died, you return to the hut and bid farewell. If you want to stay for one more night, because the Queen has captivated you with its fearful beauty, we can arrange your stay at Fiacconi.

Equipment and Info Geography and info La Marmolda (Punta di Penia) is the highest peak of the Dolomites, located close the Tre Cime, whose triple top is probably one of the most photgraphed mountain in the world. The Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy, and shared between the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. One national park and many other regional parks are located in the Dolomites. In 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Via ferratas are strongly associated with the First World War, when several were built in the Dolomite mountain region of Italy to aid the movement of troops. However, many more have been developed in recent years, as their popularity has grown and the tourism benefits have become recognised. Now over 1,000 via ferratas exist in the area. The majority are found in the Alps, most notable in Italy and Austria. Strength, Stamina This is a not too difficult climb and everyone leading a sporty lifestyle (ie: exercising 3 times a week for at least an hour, working up a sweat) can manage. However, it is important that you arrive well rested.

Via ferrata trips can vary in length from short routes taking less than an hour, to long, demanding alpine routes covering significant distance and altitude (1,000 metres or more of ascent), and taking eight or more hours to complete. In difficulty, a via ferrata can range from routes that are little more than paths, albeit in dramatic and exposed situations, to very steep and strenuous routes, overhanging in parts, which demand the strength — if not the technique — of serious rock climbing. Generally, via ferrata are done in ascent, although it is possible to descend them. Weather The summer months (from mid-July through September) have warm temperatures and plenty of sun – perfect for hiking, climbing and via ferrata! The average maximum temperature may reach some 25°C on the valley floors, but it can be as cold as 0-5°C at the summit. Above 3,000 metres, it’s hard to predict the temperatures even a few days ahead. If the weather forecast predicts a big, Europe-wide cold front with storms (ie: no chance of being able to climb), then we cancel the trip and postpone it to a later date, agreed on by everyone.

Even if good weather is predicted, we can still run into a snowstorm, rain and fog. For the sake of your safety and enjoyment, the guide will turn the group around on the summit bid. That means no summit. This is a decision you have to accept. There is no democracy on guided trips; the guide is responsible for the group’s safety, so (s)he makes the calls. Equipment The price includes equimpent hire, so you need not worry about technical gear. Of course, you may bring your own gear if you prefer, but regrettably, we can’t discount the price of the trip should you bring your own stuff. What you do need to bring is good climbing boots broken in, so they won’t hurt your feet. Here is a list that may be helpful to get yourself organised before the trip: underclothing waterproof pants – make sure you treat them with water-repellent prior to your trip waterproof jacket/softshell – make sure you treat it with water-repellent prior to your trip two pairs of gloves sunscreen (min.

factor 30) and lip balm sunglasses sandals/running shoes for life in the valley climbing boots for high mountains (you will need to fix crampons on them) light sleeping bag for the huts or a bedsheet to use with the rugs the hut provides trekking poles (recommended) Accommodation During your trip, you will stay in Fiacconi Hut. You will be sleeping in rooms with bunkbeds form 6-8 people. Pillows and rugs are provided but it worth bringing a light sleeping bag or a bedsheet to use with the rugs the hut provides. Food&Drink you can buy warm food and drinks in the hut you need to bring sandwiches/energy bars/candy bars for the climb bring a 1.5 litre bottle Meeting You meet the team on the first day, in the afternoon, at Lake Fedaia, from where you ascend to your hut. Getting there Airport Bolzano (BZO), Italy – Appr. 68 km (1.5 hours driving) distance to Lago di Fedaia Airport Venezia (VCE), Italy – Appr.

175 km (2.5 hours driving) distance to Lago di Fedaia If you need a hand with airplane tickets, let us know. We are happy to help you. The Three Layers – A Climber’s Gear Guide Your Guides CBM's mountain guides have to meet serious professional and personal requirements before they can join our team. Their professional skills are measured according to an objective system of criteria. For climbing trips in the Alps, our guides must hold a valid IFMGA/UIAGM certification. Of course, we don't want you to be in uncool company, so we only work with guides we're happy to be around ourselves. Your CBM guide will know when to be empathic and when to give you a needed kick in the butt to make the most out of your trip. :) About Us ClimbBigMountains, proudly built and managed out of Budapest is an insured and licensed Travel Agency. We're regulated internationally by the MKEH , which works under the supervision and along the lines of the European Union's Supervisory Body for Travel agents ( the ECTAA ) and regulates the hell out of the industry to make sure your booking is safe and insured. Read more about us and check our fascinating Terms and Conditions .

Dolomites : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Peitlerkofel / Sas de Pütia, towering above Gömaalm Much can be said about the Dolomites, one of the world's most famous and fabulous mountain ranges. Yet, when trying to describe them they also seem to defy words. One quickly runs out of adjectives and comparisons with towers, castles or cathedrals have become the rule. Swiss architect Le Corbusier once called the mountains "Les plus belle archtectures du monde" (the most beautiful architectures on earth) and the phrase he coined made it to just about every guide- or picture-book about the region. Yet, when you stand in the shadow of one of the giant faces or one of the delicate pinacles you cannot but feel the justification of his statement. The work of man seems to pale beside the work of nature. The Dolomites have been named (indirectly) in honour of Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu, a French geologist and mineralogist, who in 1789 made a voyage through vast parts of Tirol and Grisons.

There, at the base of Pflerscher Tribulaun in the Stubai Alps he realized that the rock, from which the mountain was composed of, was different from regular limestone. When treating the minerals with hydrochloric acid they barely reacted (limestone has a strong reaction). The new found mineral later was named Dolomite in Dolomieu's honour and later the whole mountain range received the same name. However, the assumption that the whole mountain range is made up from this kind of rock is wrong. Dolomite makes up only a small part of the whole region while limestone prevails in many places. Near Marmolada or Latemar you will find limestone as well as volcanic rock. The Padon Ridge consists of lava whith its typical black erosion forms. Some of the subgroups are composed of high quality Dolomite while in others, especially in the northern part of the range rather look and feel like piles of rubbish. Still there are some common denominators: vertical lines dominate everywhere, there are big ledge systems and big high plateaus can be found in many places. At the bases of the mountains there are giant scree slopes.

The average hight of the mountains is moderate, around 3000m +/- 200m. Punta Penia on Marmolada, the highest spot of the mountain range, reaches 3343m. Still, as the valleys are profound, huge differences in elevation can be found. Additionally some of the faces show gigantic proportions. The Marmolada south face is about 2km wide and 800m high. The Langkofel / Saslonch / Sassolungo north face is 1km wide and 1500m high. The Civetta north-west face is 1600m wide and 1200m high. Monte Agner in the Pale de San Martino reaches a height of 1800m. And these are only the largest faces ... The Dolomites constitute one of the largest subranges of the (eastern) Alps. They stretch between the Eisack / Isarco Valley in the west and the Piave Valley in the east and south. The northern boundary is Pustertal / Val Pusteria. The range divides into about 20 different subbgroups of various shapes and sizes.

As most of the rock is sedimentary in nature and dates back to the Triassic age, lots of petrified marine life forms can be found. The rather constant general height of the mountains as well as the shape of the subgroups can also be attributed to this origin. Coral reefs and atolls can still be made out today. A very fascinating aspect about the Dolomites is that its subgroups all have very characteristic shapes, which can be easily distinguished when seen from the outside. Moreover, many of the subgroups stand alone between profound valleys and broad mountain passes. Thus, travel in the area is rather easy - a network of roads spans the range. Generally the heart of the Dolomites is divided into two parts - western and eastern Dolomites. The boundary is the line the line Val Badia-Campolongo Pass-Arabba-Alleghe-Canale d'Agordo (see map below). The groups of the western Dolomites are generally rather large and rather brittle rock often ensures dramatic erosion structures. In the east the groups tend to be small but rock composiition is much more solid so that very compact mountains are formed.

In addition to this "Dolomites heartland" there are outlying regions which generally are not counted among the Dolomites though they share most of the geologic and geographic features. East of the Piave River are the Dolomiti Friulane, which often are counted among the Carnic Alps (also here on SP) as well as the Dolomiti Oltrepiave to the south. In the southwest, far beyond the Etsch / Adige Valley there is the Brenta Group, which often is mentioned separately. In addition to the geographical division there also is a political one. The area of the Dolomites splits up between the two Italian provinces of Bolzano and Belluno. Roughly speaking, the border between the provinces runs along the former border between Italy and Austria, which existed before WW I. During that war, for 3 years, heavy battles were fought in the range. Many of the positions of that era can still be found in the Dolomites with many a support route still in place. These support routes were converted into vie ferrate, exposed hiking (and climbing) trails, protected by cables and ropes. They have become so popular that meanwhile many more routes have been established.

Today, each subgroup has at least one ferrata. Along this political line there also runs the language border between German Italian. The situation is more difficult, however, since even before WW I this border was by no means exact. Moreover, in the very heart of the Dolomites - based around the Sella- and Fanes Groups, the old rhaetian tongue of Ladinian is spoken. There are many dialects and each valley has its own. Today, the Ladinian language is taught in Schools and Bozen / Bolzano University has its own chair for the language. The Ladinian people is represented in the local autonomous parliament in Bozen / Bolzano. In the Cadini di Misurina Last but not least: since June 2009 the Dolomites have been elected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central zone consists of an area of 141.903 ha with an additional buffer zone of 89.267 ha. All aforementioned outlying groups belong to the world heritage.

2 - Panoramic view Croda da CampoCima BagniCampanili PopèraCima PopèraMonte GiralbaNeunerSextener RotwandElfer Zwölfer EinserAntelao Paternkofel Große Zinne Schusterplatte DreischusterspitzeSorapis Pelmo SchwabenalpenkopfSchwalbenkofelPiz Popena Monte Cristallo HaunoldHochebenkofel Civetta Tofana di MezzoTofana di DentroStrudelköpfeDürrensteinHohe GaisslGsellknoten Marmolada Gran VernelKleine GaisslCunturines La Varella Piz Boè Seekofel C. Pisciadu NeunerZehner Langkofel S. Ciampac Puezspitzen Zwischenkofel Geislergruppe HochalpenkopfMaurerkopfDreifingerspitze Peitlerkofel Aferer GeisselnKronplatzPlose Ortler/Cevedale Group Summit View Hochgrabe: the complete Dolomites.

Hide / German / Italian labels 3 - Subgroups Interactive Overview Map of the Dolomites. Click numbers go to the subgroup pages The grouping structure of the Dolomites has been the subject of long discussions between the European SP members. If I remember correctly the discussions were mostly led by Italian and German members who preferred to follow the recommendations given by their respective alpine clubs. In the end a compromise was found which is displayed in the map above. Nobody will dispute that there are more than 17 Dolomite Groups, even if you don't count the outlying areas but for the sake of clarity (and compromise) some of the smaller groups were pooled together in one page. In the western Dolomites the Puez - Geisler / Odle Group is one example while the Rosengarten / Catinaccio Group is the other. In the eastern Dolomites the logistical center of Cortina d'Ampezzo pools together all of the smaller Dolomite Groups which surround the town. In the end, the compromise of the Dolomite grouping structure was the birth of area & range pages though at the time nobody would have called them this way.

The following two sections will try to give an overview by the listing of the Dolomite Groups, associated with the 17 SP pages (of which some are still missing). The subsection numbers refer to the numbers on the map above. 4 - Western Dolomites Western Dolomites Panorama from Ritzlarspitze The western Dolomites are famous for their long and rugged ridgelines. The Geisler / Odle Group, Rosengarten / Catinaccio, Latemar and the north-western chain of the Pale di San Martino all show very impressive skylines. They consist of a multitude of towers, pinnacles and spires and have graced many a picture postcard or calendar cover. The Saslonch / Langkofel / Sassolungo Group with its circular shape still displays its origins as an atoll in the Thethys Sea, while the Sella Group looms like a giant fortress in the heart of the Dolomites. There are three notable karst plateaus in the western Dolomites: the Puez Plateau in the north, the flat topped Sella Plateau in the centre and the Altipiano delle Pale di San Martino in the south.

Above all hovers the white glacier of Marmolada, the highest mountain of the Dolomites. On SP we created 8 groups for the western Dolomites, even though quite often (especially in German literature) more groups have been mentioned. The following list mentions these groups, the very first of which is only added as it is located within the established boundaries though the geology of its mountains and meadows differs a lot from the remainder of its group. The Marmolada- and Pale di San Martino Groups both have a very complex structure and might be divided in further subgroups. However, on SP we decided to keep them in the bigger boundaries as most literature seems to agree.

1.1 Gadertal / Alta Badia Dolomites 1.2 Aferer Geiseln / Odle di Eores and Peitlerkofel / Sas da Pütia 1.3 Geisler / Odle Group 3.1 Schlern / Sciliar and Seiser Alm / Alpe di Suisi 3.2 Rosengarten / Catinaccio 5 - Eastern Dolomites Eastern Dolomites Panorama from Sarlkofel The eastern Dolomites are often reduced to the mountain groups around Cortina d'Ampezzo, though there's more to this half of the range. But here in the Cortina Dolomites you can find another important aspect of the whole mountain range: small standalone groups which are separated from each other by profound valleys and mountain passes. Monte Pelmo is the archetype of these mountains, a huge, monolithic block of stone, which stands out among its neighbours like a giant cube. Cristallo and Sorapiss, Marmarole and the Tofane complete the picture.

However, with the Sexten / Sesto Dolomites in the east there is another complex mountain group, one of the most beautiful ones of the whole range. There you will find Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime, the best known landmark of the Dolomites. Far to the south the giant line of Civetta attracts climbers with its huge north-west face as well as the southern end points of Torre Venezia and Torre Trieste. The Fanes Group as well as the Prags / Braies Dolomites are rather known for their plateaus - Fanes, Fosses and Senes. Here some of the most important slab climbs can be found (Zehner / Sass de les Diisc / Cima Dieci, Seekofel / Sas dla Porta / Croda del Becco). Bosconero Group 6 - Alte Vie delle Dolomiti In the mid 1960s the first trekking route of the Dolomites was established, aroute which today is called Via Classica or Alta Via delle Dolomiti No 1. It runs between Pragser Wildsee / Lago di Braies and the city of Belluno.

The 150km route is divided into 13 stages, which all end either at one of the many mountain huts or in one of the villages of the valleys. Over the years nine more Alte Vie came into life, the first six within the 1960s and 1970s, the four last in the 1970s and 1980s. While most of the trekking trails are comparatively easy with one or two Vie Ferrate as stages, some, like Alta Via No 7 are very demanding. There are many web sites dealing with the Alte Vie, even wikipedia has short descriptions for each one. Just Google for the Italian (Alte Vie delle Dolomiti) or German (Dolomitenhöhenweg) names. The best ressource is: Moreover, there are books describing the trekking trails. You will find them in the listings of the last section. The following table gives a very short abstract of the trekking trails. Trail No. 18 days 7 - Getting There The Dolomites are located in the north-east of Italy in the regions of Trentino - Alto Adige and Veneto.

They can be reached most easily by car since a whole web or roads cuts through the range. Train service only reaches the outlying valleys: Etsch / Adige and Eisack / Isarco Vallleys in the west and Piave Valley in the east and south: Trenitalia ustertal / Val Pusteria in the north: Pustertalbahn There is a very good bus service for the whole area: Dolomitibus . As you can see from the timetables, most of the towns and villages are only touched upon a few times per day. You have to plan your trips accordingly. The closest airports are: DOLOMITI DI BRAIES / PRAGSER DOLOMITEN / MAREBBE / ENNEBERG 978-8883150319 Kompass Maps Kompass has Maps in two scales, 1:25000 and 1:50000. The former are of similar quality as the Tabacco Maps, but are folded in smaller format. The latter maps are excellent overview maps and suffice for most hikes. In the rocky terrain beneath the big Dolomite faces they can become ambiguous. For a full catalogue see .

10.2 - Books There is an endless number of guidebooks about the Dolomites. The following list cannot be complete but is supposed to list the best and / or most complete sets of books. Most literature can be found in Italian and German, which is why these languages top the list. The English books all rather are overview guides. 10.2.1 - German 10.2.1.1 - Hiking Rother Verlag has six hiking guidebooks for the Dolomites. Though they sometimes overlap imho they are the best hiking ressource in German language. (Kompass has four guidebooks of similar quality.

Unfortunately both editions miss the southern Dolomites (Bosconero, Cimonega, Pale di San Martino)) Dolomiten 1 Europe's 10 Coziest Mountain Villages | The Huffington Post Europe's 10 Coziest Mountain Villages 11/06/2013 07:50 am ET | Updated Jan 23, 2014 550 minube Travel planning website and community As winter approaches, the first blankets of snow are falling on the great mountains of Europe and the continent's enchanting mountain towns are gearing up for a new season of visitors eager to hit the slopes or take in the unique local culture that these mountain regions seem to inspire. While there is great skiing to be had the world over, few places can match the charming storybook atmosphere of these sleepy little villages in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Scandinavia. In the spirit of the season, we've gone through thousands of recommendations from travelers on minube to find out Europe's most magical mountain towns that international travelers can't miss this winter. From the fjords of Norway to the snowy peaks of Trentino, here are Europe's 10 Coziest Mountain Villages.

Canazei, Italy - Located in Trentino's incredible Val di Fassa, this cozy ski village enjoys a privileged location near Marmolada, the highest peak in northern Italy's snowy Dolomites range. Despite have less than 2,000 inhabitants, Canazei is a global point of reference among ski fanatics who come to enjoy the area's 25 miles of slopes. But luckily for those who prefer the warmth of the hearth to the rush of the slopes, Canazei is also known for its cozy mountain huts and traditional regional cuisine. (Photo by Francesco Eri). Click here to see more photos of Canazei Hallstatt, Austria - When describing the experience of visiting Hallstatt, one of the phrases most used by travelers was "fairy tale," and it's not surprising. This small lakeside village of less then 1,000 inhabitants has gone to great lengths to preserve its status as one of Europe's most beautiful towns, even going as far as prohibiting cars from the town center lest they break the magical atmosphere of picturesque wooden homes, flower-strewn balconies, and swans fluttering around Lake Hallstatt. (Photo by Manuel I.

Navascués) Click here to see more photos of Hallstatt Torla, Spain - If you're looking to get away from civilization to the beat of mountains, glaciers, and UNESCO-recognized natural splendor, you can do no better than the village of Torla in the Spanish province of Aragón. It's part of the Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve, a tranquil mountain paradise of glacial valleys, black pine forests, and stunning waterfalls. After a day exploring the nearby Ordesa y Monte Perdido Natural Park , you can spend the evening warming up with wine and home-cooking in one of the traditional taverns among the village's narrow streets and Pyrenean-style stone houses. (Photo by Javier G. Pardo). Click here to see more photos of Aragón Cavalese, Italy - The tiny alpine village of Cavalese is another of Trentino, Italy's most charming stopovers.

Nestled high in the Dolomites, Cavalese is a nature-lover's dream: it's sandwiched between the stunning Monte Corne and Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Parks and is close to Latemar, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful places on Earth for its epic landscapes and wealth of animal life. (Photo by Federica Cerri) Click here to see more photos of Trentino Olden, Norway - Let's take a break from the Alps and Pyrenees and head north to Olden, a scenic town of around 500 inhabitants located on one of Norway's longest and most dramatic fjords. While the town is quiet and sleepy most of the year, it has become a popular stopping point for Norwegian Cruises thanks to its proximity to the spectacular Jostedalsbreen Natural Park and dreamy setting of mountains, waterfalls, and impossibly-blue glacial lakes. (Photo by Raquel Rey).

Click here to see more photos of Norway Notre Dame de Bellecombe, France - France's Savoy region is full of impressive vistas and charming villages, but the tiny town of Notre dame de Bellecombe manages to combine all the things we love about villages in the Alps into one enchanting little package. Whether it's waking up to the spire of an 11th century church against the white peaks of the Alps, warming up at the town's famous wine festival, or hitting the slopes, Notre Dame de Bellecombe has all the ingredients for a perfect mountain escape. (Photo by Stations de Ski) Click here to see more photos of Rhône-Alpes San Martino di Castrozza, Italy - This small village has historically been a resting point for weary travelers crossing the alps, but these days it's a hotspot for those looking to hit the trails in the Natural Park of Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino and sample Trentino's famous wines, honey, pastries, and cheeses. Skiers have access to over 25 miles of slopes in the surrounding mountains, and plenty of other activities like ski-mobiles or even paragliding in the summer. (Photo by Stella88)

Question: Mount Marmolada is the highest peak in which European mountain range?
Answer: DOLOMITES